Community rallies to support family of fallen sheriff's Deputy Jeremiah MacKay

Since the death of San Bernardino County sheriff's Deputy Jeremiah MacKay, the community has rallied in support of the 35-year-old Redlands man's family and friends.

Fundraising efforts in the Inland Empire and beyond have been announced in the past few days that will benefit MacKay's memorial fund.

And it was also announced through social media sites dedicated to MacKay's memory that several people have donated hotel rooms for family and out-of-town guests planning to attend today's funeral in San Manuel Amphitheater near Devore.

The Hilton of San Bernardino on Hospitality Lane was the first to offer rooms and a meeting space to the many attending MacKay's memorial service.

The hotel is also offering a 50 percent discount to those who seeking a room because they were attending the services. A room at the Hilton varies from $129 to $149 a night.

Since the hotel announced the donation, senior sales manager Tina Gardy said her staff has been flooded with calls from donors wishing to do the same.

"I've been here for 10 years, and we're really involved in the community," Gardy said, "and whenever there is an opportunity for us to donate or reach out to our community we do."

While she could not provide a number as many guests are law enforcement officers themselves, Gardy did say 30 to 40 people have reached out to the hotel to offer donations.

Several members of the Redlands United Church of Christ have also donated rooms at LaQuinta Inn in San Bernardino as well.

Pastor Sharon Graff said it was the right thing to do.

"We have a number of police officers and retired officers who are part of our congregation. And if we can encourage other people to give, then that's great," she said. "We are just trying to do our best to help out."

The Country Inn and Suites by Carlson in Ontario donated two rooms for three nights and two other individuals donated a room for a night.

"My daughter and son-in-law are both officers with Chino Police Department and she said, `Hey mom, do you want to participate?"' said Karen Pedersen, general manager of the Country Inn and Suites by Carlson in Ontario.

"I wasn't aware there was a real need for this, but once my daughter told me we definitely wanted to assist in any way."

Pedersen said their guests include bagpipers from Idaho.

"It's nice to be able to give them a warm welcome and let them know they are appreciated and try to assist them for this out-of-pocket trip," she said.

On Friday, Dairy Queen and Coffee Bean Cafe will host a fundraiser in which 20percent of proceeds from 4 to 9 p.m. will benefit

The fundraiser was planned by the stores' owners, Joshua and Jennifer Conroy, and Dairy Queen manager Meghan Nielson, who wanted to show support for MacKay's family and the Sheriff's Department.

"It's a hometown thing," Nielson said.

Nielson, who wants to explore a career in law enforcement, said MacKay's death really hit home.

"Also, we have sheriff's come through our stores quite often. It's a small town, and we're literally across the street from the station," she said.

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians also announced Wednesday that it is contributing $20,000 to aid the families of MacKay and fallen Riverside police Officer Michael Crain, 34.

Crain, a Redlands High School graduate, was killed on Feb. 7 when he and his partner were ambushed at a red light by Dorner, authorities said.

"We are heartbroken for the families of Officer Crain and Detective MacKay. These brave men gave their lives to protect and serve our communities and we should never forget their heroic sacrifice and the devastating loss that their families are suffering," said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin in a news release.

Separate donations of $10,000 will be donated to both men's memorial fund.

Memorial services for MacKay will begin at 11 a.m. today at the San Manuel Amphitheater, 2575 Glen Helen Parkway, Devore.